City: Central Portugal
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The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Central Portugal, Portugal
1. Initiation Well
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 919 reviews
Reviewed By ericsE2241OU - Birr, Ireland
This well is a great place to visit as part of a tour of the Quinta da Regaleira. It is unique (in my experience), and of great interest if you are into the Knights Templar and similar groups. Look ot for the Knights Templar cross there
2. Panteao Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,147 reviews
The construction of the church of Saint Engracia – currently the National Pantheon of Portugal - began towards the end of the 16th century and was only completed in the 20th century. This 400-year delay originated the proverb “Obras de Santa Engracia” meaning any work that never ends. A unique testimony to Portuguese Baroque art the National Pantheon stands on a hill overlooking the river Tagus being an icon of Lisbon’s cityscape. From its terrace you can have a majestic view of the city and its river. On the inside the Pantheon houses the remains of some of the most distinguished personalities of the country.
Reviewed By eddg2019
Another of the Alfama’s hidden in plain sight gems, the National Pantheon is located in what was formerly the Church of Santa Engrácia, which had a long and turbulent history. The church was converted into the National pantheon in 1916 and contains the tombs of important Portugeuse rulers and historical figures as well as a number of cenotaphs. It is worth it to climb the six flights of stairs to the interior of the dome, which has a walkway that affords magnificent views of the intricate floor patterns below. This is not for anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights. The dome level has an exit leading out onto a broad terrace that provides panoramic views over the Alfama neighborhood and beyond.
3. Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,063 reviews
This national shrine is the site where three young peasant shepherds spied a "lady brighter than the sun," which was, many believe, the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this region of Portugal.
Reviewed By 504marynam - Detroit, United States
It takes a full day trip from Lisbon to visit Fatima, Balthahal monastery, Bleeding host church at Santarem and Fatima. We were a group of 15 and we hired a 15 seater mini bus with a driver from the Mundo do Flamingo travel agency. Their charges are very, very reasonable - just 500 euros for 15 of us to visit these 3 sites. The driver was very friendly and engaging. Fatima was awesome. We saw the Lucia, Jacinto and Francisco's humble homes - very touching, we also got to personally meet Sr. Lucia's 99 year old niece. The Via Sacra - way of the cross garden is very calm and beautiful. The highlight of the trip was the candle light procession at 9.30 pm. Don't miss this event. Very beautiful to see Our Lady revered by some many from all over the world. When we reached back to our Lisbon hotel, it was almost 1.00 am! This place is worth visiting.
4. Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,607 reviews
One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Reviewed By jcj1882 - London, United Kingdom
One of the things I won't forget about my trip to Lisbon is the approach to this square. When you walk from the city centre, the grand arch looms on the horizon. Once you reach the open square, you're met with stunning views of the Tejo river that are pretty unforgettable. This is a square that everyone goes to, but it's so big that it never feels overcrowded like some other tourist spots. There's not a huge amount to 'do' here per se, but nowhere else does the impressive history of Lisbon weigh more upon you. The vibe is just brilliant the views are hard to beat. So take a book, sit by the river, and just enjoy the atmosphere that this place - and this great city - have to offer.
5. Parque das Nacoes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,513 reviews
Reviewed By docandmaria - Lisbon, Portugal
You will be pleasantly surprised at just how modern, clean and attractive this new city is. Originally built in 1998 for the Worlds Fair, it has grown into an extremely well designed example of urban development. Centrally located is the Train station, Gare de Oriente as well as the Vasco de Gama Shopping Center. Many sites and attractions, waterfront restaurants, Oceanarium, Science Museum, Casino, Ballet, Arena for concerts, beautiful architecture etc. etc. I always enjoy the gondola ride that takes you from the Myriad Hotel tower to just south of the Oceanarium, over 1k ride with lovely views of the park and the river. If you want to take a nice walk, you can do a 4k walk along the river with very nice photo ops of the bridge and surrounding sites.
6. Cabo da Roca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,019 reviews
Reviewed By jgoodnow
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in Europe and is well worth the trip from wherever you are on the Iberian peninsula. Windy, craggy, magnificent views of of the crashing surf; we could have spent hours here. Sadly, we were on an otherwise fabulous bus tour and only had 40 minutes. Bring lunch and take your time!
7. Obidos Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,863 reviews
Reviewed By markbH9929KY
This was our second visit to the amazing and beautiful village of Obidos. Should be the top of everyone’s list of places to visit if touring or holidaying in this area. You can walk right around the village on the castle walls, enjoying the fab views from lots of different vantage points, then enjoy the gorgeous narrow streets of this old Moorish village. Truly stunning.
8. Batalha Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,006 reviews
Located in the Gothic masterpiece of Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery, a special visit should be made to this chapel with its magnificent stained-glass windows, cloisters, Unfinished Chapel and the tombs of several Portuguese notables.
Reviewed By alexdavidwriter - London, United Kingdom
I visited each of Portugal's four famous monasteries during my trip to Portugal (Batalha, Alcobaca, Convento de Cristo, Jeronimos), and by far the best of them was Batalha. Wow! It truly is in a class of its own. The architecture is beautiful, the details captivating, and the overall effect stunning. It is the only Gothic church I have ever visited where I saw the nave completely bathed in multicolored lights as the sun shone through stained glass windows (visit in the morning on a sunny day to get the best of this effect). But there is so much more: the Founders Chapel with its incredible domed ceiling; the tomb of Henry the Navigator; the lovely cloister, which incidentally holds the Portuguese tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, complete with live soldiers on attendance; and the intricate unfinished chapels where a king and his queen are shown in stone holding hands for all eternity. Everyone visiting central Portugal should be making an effort to see Batalha Monastery. It is Portugal's Gothic wonder.
9. O Sitio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,394 reviews
Reviewed By jubieSheffield
A beautiful town square, with the most charming church, and woman in traditional dress selling their wears, and the views are amazing, there are plenty of little cafe's and restaurants. But Parking can be a little dificult,
10. Forte de Sao Miguel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 987 reviews
Reviewed By mdsaction - Huntington Beach, United States
Went to Nazare in May which is not big wave season but still got a thrill from just looking out from the cliffs and imagining what the sight and sound must be when an eighty foot wave roars into that coastline. The Fort is a nice walk out to the point and the small exhibit inside has some surfing memorabilia as well as a great relief map explaining how these swells end up so big. The town and regular beach are worth the visit also.
